SWR Broadcasting-Studio / Steimle Architekten

Openness, transparency, and responsibility - expectations of our media world that are also reflected in the design and formulation of the new media center for Südwestrundfunk.

Located within the China Kunqu Opera Museum in Suzhou—the birthplace of Kunqu opera—Baihua Bookstore was first established in 1993 as a specialist venue dedicated to this centuries-old theatrical tradition. Recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage, Kunqu opera remains central to this bookstore's identity. Over the decades, however, the original space—just 65 square meters in size and formerly used as a reading room—had fallen into disrepair and gradually devolved into an exit corridor, detached from its cultural roots.

The community center is located on a hilltop, with a row of old mango trees along the road in front and a mixed bamboo grove on gently sloping farmland behind. These are common and familiar scenes in rural southern Taiwan.

A Sanctuary of Natural Elegance – Palo Verde Aesthetic (PV Aesthetic) embodies the spirit of resilience and vitality, much like the Palo Verde tree, flourishing in lush greenery even amidst the arid desert landscape. Designed to be a sanctuary of tranquility and sophistication, the space seamlessly blends nature-inspired elements with thoughtful architectural gestures.